H.S. BASKETBALL: Norwell girls relying on championship pedigree

Wednesday

On the hardwood, the Clippers are perennially tournament-bound. Last season, Norwell earned the top seed in Division 3 South and reached the sectional semifinals.

But the Clippers championship pedigree comes from other sports. Most of the girls on the team have a state championship in lacrosse from the spring or soccer in the fall.

“They know how to prepare and they know how to compete,” said Norwell coach Matt Marani. “They, as a team and as a group of kids, really do know how to compete. I could tell from last basketball season that they don’t get down themselves. They always try to find a way and if something isn’t working, (they think) what’s next? There’s a resiliency to them and I think because a lot of them are two-sport athletes.”

Norwell returns its entire rotation from last season. The Clippers will be led by Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic guards Lexi Rothmann and Kristi Vierra, both have earned All-Scholastic honors on the pitch.

“She’s one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen in any sport,” said Marani of Rothmann. “We all know about her accolades on the soccer field but she’s a very talented basketball player.

“(Vierra is) as competitive of a kid as I’ve ever met. She’s one of the best athletes around the state of Massachusetts and she’s a very skilled basketball player.”

Rothmann, a senior, averaged over 10 points per game last season and is a defensive standout. Vierra, a junior, averaged 15 points per game. She capped her sophomore season with a 24-point game against Archbishop Williams, a 71-53 Norwell loss, in the sectional semifinals.

Vierra and Rothmann aren’t Norwell’s only notable guards. Senior captain Annie Hilsinger also returns and Nina Elio is another impact player. Hilsinger is a smart and athletic guard while Elio is an offensive sparkplug who can shoot and drive.

Sadie O’Brien, a senior captain, is a selfless forward with a pass-first mentality. Molly Hogan is expected to play center. She began on the varsity as a guard but has continued to grow.

Bridget Coffey, who is currently injured, is a four-year varsity player who will factor into the lineup when healthy. She’s also a senior captain.

“From a basketball sense, this is maybe the most intelligent team I’ve had,” said Marani. “They get concepts.

“Our resiliency and our IQ is the strength of our team.”

The Clippers got a late start to the season, as they just played their opener against East Bridgewater on Tuesday (after Mariner deadline). That game could loom large in the South Shore League Sullivan Division title picture. Rockland and Middleboro could also factor into the race this winter. Norwell plays at Middleboro on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Other players that will earn playing time include Mary Grace Saich, Ro Degnan, Avery Henriquez and Olivia Croke.

Saich, a junior, is a fundamentally sound player. Degnan is a tough, but undersized post played. Henriquez, a guard, has played well in the preseason. Olivia Croke is another key cog who brings intangibles to the team.

Sophomore guards Allie Connerty and Rachel Gould, who both have state titles in lacrosse and soccer, are tall and versatile guards. Connerty is currently sidelined with an injury.

“We all know that we’re going to be a much better team at the end of the year than we are at the beginning of the year because of their dedication to multiple sports,” said Marani. “They’re veteran and mature enough to not plan ahead and just focus on their skills currently and trying to get better.”